Changing the Exterior Light Bulbs

There are many things to keep in mind when you want to change the exterior lights to your home. True, it might not seem like a very involved task, and in many ways, it is not. However, if you want to do it quickly and safely, there are a few things that you will need to keep in mind. Once you understand some of these things, you will find that you will be able to change exterior light bulbs much safer and more efficiently. Though it might seem an innocuous task, it is one that is often necessary, so you should absolutely know some of the basics. Those lightbulbs could prevent a birthday party from becoming a blackout party.

Safety Considerations

The first thing that you will need to make sure that you do when you go to change an exterior light is to make sure that the light switch is turned to the "off" position. Often times, in a rush job or in your haste to do the job, such a simple task can be left out. When this is the case, you will find that changing the bulb itself can be a very dangerous task. Since outdoor lights are often powered by a larger wattage than that which is often found indoors, you can end up shocking yourself if your outdoor light is turned on while you are replacing the bulb. This is especially true for older homes.

If a home is older and has not had the proper wiring installed to ensure a safer experience when changing large watt light bulbs, it can result in you getting shocked while replacing a light. This can be dangerous especially if the light is elevated and you are using a ladder. If you get shocked on a ladder, there is a change that the kick-back of the shock will knock you to the ground. In addition to electricity damage, you will also be looking at some broken or bruised bones. The best way to avoid these things is to simply turn the light switch off. Even if you have a newer home, it is never a bad idea to plan ahead just to be safe.

If you are changing the light bulbs of a higher light that you need to use a ladder for, make sure that the ladder is secured and locked in. If a ladder is poorly erected and you place too much weight on the top point of it, the ladder can collapse, causing you to fall to the ground. If you want to make sure that this does not happen, make sure that the ladder is locked in and secured at the base. In an ideal world, you would have someone standing at the base of the ladder to ensure that it is secure no matter the weight and it will not sway in the wind or as a result of uneven ground. However, if this is not possible, simply make sure that it is secured as best as you can.

In the end, you will need to keep these things as well as many other things in mind when you are changing the exterior light bulbs. No matter what the situation is at your home, chances are there will come a day where the outdoor exterior lights will need to be changed. When this time comes, keep these safety tips in mind so that you are not hurt in the process of changing the light bulbs. This way, it will not be an ordeal to change lights outside of your home, no matter where they are located.